St. Joseph Logo
Items of Interest
From the Principal's Office
From the Home & School Association
SJRCS Inaugural Golf Tournament
Donuts With Dad
Alumni Section!
Child Protection Electronic Background Screening
School Facebook Page
Fire Inspection
School Dress Code
Elizabeth House Thanks 1st, 4th & Mrs. Rella
Volunteer Opportunites
Room Parents 2015-2016
Time to Raise Funds w/o Fundraising!
Reception of Eucharist
Elizabeth House Times and Grades
Calendar Events
Contact Us!
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List

 The Shining Star Newsletter

St. Joseph's Regional Catholic School  
11011 Montgomery Road
Beltsville, MD 20705
Volume XVI, Issue #05      
October 5, 2015                                       
 
Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska

Please be sure to "Join Our Mailing List!" (on the lower left) to receive our weekly newsletter emails.
From the Principal's Office 
Dear St. Joseph's RCS Families,
  
October, the month of the Holy Rosary, is a busy month here at St. Joseph's RCS. This week, we have Guard-a-Kid pictures and Lee Denim Day. Next week Spirit Week begins, and on October 20th, we have our first Family Night Out! Please make sure to note the important dates on the calendar at the end of the newsletter.

I shared my instructional focus for this year. If you missed it, here it is again. We will all be focusing on improving our math abilities and performance. This means we will be incorporating math across all subject areas. The work St. Joseph's RCS teachers are doing in the classroom is truly wonderful, but as our mission states, we must also be on board with the primary educators, our parents. We want math to be fun and exciting; please help us with this task and show your children how math is used all around us, just like reading! Meanwhile, our teachers will do the same, and show all of their students how math relates to all subject areas. STUDY THOSE MATH FACTS!  

The tuition assistance applications are now open.  Please apply.  The application takes some time; please do not wait to the end to apply. Parents who applied late or submitted portions of their application late were refused assistance. Families do not need to be Catholic in order to receive assistance from the Archdiocese. Parents must apply through the ADW in order to be considered for Pastoral Tuition Assistance.  

2016 - 2017 ADW Tuition Assistance Program - Open Application Period Begins Applications for the 2016 - 2017 Archdiocesan Tuition Assistance Program will be available online beginning Monday, September 28, 2015. The deadline for applicants to apply is Friday, December 4, 2015. Families may apply online by logging onto www.stjosrcs.org and completing the following steps:

  • Click on Tuition Assistance under the "About" tab.
  • Click on the appropriate (English or Spanish) "TADS - Financial Aid Application" link
 
We love to have our parents and family members visit and help out around the school. Have you taken the Child Protection class yet (Virtus)? If not, please go to www.virtus.org and sign up.

This summer, St. Joseph's RCS also launched our new website www.stjosrcs.org. You can still access this the same way through the church's website, or you can type in the website address to your web browser. The 2015-16 School Calendar and School Handbook are posted here. If you're looking for us on social media you can access our Facebook page, twitter handle, @StJosephsRCS, and our instagram @stjosephsrcs on the new school website. If you haven't done so yet, please like us on Facebook and follow us on twitter and instagram!

On a final note, our Inaugural Golf Tournament has been POSTPONED to November 2nd! Follow the golf link to REGISTER TODAY!
           
"Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4 

Zach Hooker, Principal
From the Home and School Association
Fall is here and Pumpkin Grams are coming! Look for forms in next week's communication envelopes!
 
Please don't forget that our first HSA Golf Tournament will be held Monday, November 2nd at Cross Creek Golf Club. Please contact Mr. Hooker or Marianne Schwenz  if you would like to play in the tournament, or support the tournament in any way.

Donuts with Dad will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2015! This year you will be able to RSVP for attendance AND sign up to volunteer AND sign up to donate food items all at once by clicking on the link below:

The HSA Board is still looking for a co-volunteer coordinator, and a Kellogg's Family Rewards coordinator. Please contact Marianne Schwenz for more information at schwenzm@comcast.net.

Please visit the HSA's Google Site for answers to any questions you may have and to log your volunteer hours. You can also call any of our board members at any time.


Marianne Schwenz
President, Home and School Association
St. Joseph's Regional Catholic School
schwenzm@comcast.net
home 301.572.2229
cell 240.508.9957
fax  301.572.0073 
SJRCS Inaugural Golf Tournament 
 St. Joseph's Regional Catholic School
 
Inaugural Golf Tournament

St. Joseph's RCS will be celebrating our Inaugural Golf Tournament this fall! We are excited about the opportunity to spend a day out on the course with family and friends, to celebrate all the great accomplishments and improvements St. Joseph's RCS has taken on in recent years, and those to follow. Please join us early this fall! Follow the link below for more information, registration, and sponsorship opportunities.
 
 November 2, 2015  
(Postponed Date) 
 
 
Donuts With Dad Flyer 
For more information about Donuts With Dad,
please click here.
Alumni Section!
There is a Facebook Page especially for the Alumni! Please look under "St. Joseph's Beltsville Catholic School AlumniClick here to go see!

Child Protection Electronic Background Screening 

Child Protection Electronic Background screening will now be available for St. Joseph's Parish & St. Joseph's Regional Catholic School in the school office from 8:30 am - 10:00am Wednesdays & Thursdays. Please contact Mrs. Stock in the school office at 301-937-7154 or by e-mail at schooloffice@stjosrcs.org 
to schedule an appointment. You will need to bring your volunteer application, 2 forms of ID and payment of $13.50, checks made out to St. Joseph's or cash.
School Facebook Page
If you haven't already "liked" us on Facebook, please take a moment to click this link and "like" our new Saint Joseph's Regional Catholic School Page.
 https://www.facebook.com/stjosephbeltsville
 
or find us by typing SAINT Joseph's Regional Catholic School. 
Thank you!
Fire Inspection
Last week we had our annual fire inspection. In order for us to adhere to  the guidelines provided by the fire department we cannot have anyone parking at the front entrance of the school. This could result in a $200 fine. Additionally, please ensure you are parking in the staff parking lot in the morning if you are getting out of your car, and follow the sidewalk to walk your child into the school. We cannot have parents parking behind the church and crossing through the arrival line. Thank you for your cooperation in helping us provide a safe learning environment for all of our students.
School Dress Code
 Students in grades Pre-kindergarten through eight wear a neat, attractive uniform that not only manifests the equality of all students but also  enhances the learning environment. UNIFORMS MUST BE WORN PROPERLY. Unusual weather conditions may necessitate change in the uniform schedule. Such exceptions will be announced by the principal.

Pre-kindergarten Uniform: August - October 31st, May 1st -June

* Maroon shorts or sweatpants w/ logo
* White polo shirt w/ logo
* Tennis shoes (black or white) with Velcro closures, NO flashing lights,   
     character shoes, or roller attachments
* White knee or crew socks (no logo) above the ankle
* *Optional St. Joseph's Regional Catholic School maroon logo sweatshirt

 November 1st - April 30
* Maroon sweatpants w/ logo
* Tennis shoes (black or white) with Velcro closures, NO flashing lights, 
      character shoes or roller attachments
* White knee or crew socks (no logo) above the ankle
* *Optional St. Joseph's Regional Catholic School maroon logo sweatshirt

Girls Dress Uniform - Grades K-5
This may be worn in all months (August through June) except on PE days.
* Plaid jumper (knee length)
*  Navy blue dress slacks (no cargo pants or cuffs) with black, navy blue,
       or brown leather belt
* Long or short-sleeved white blouse with Peter Pan collar
* Navy blue knee socks or tights (no logo)
* *Optional buttoned maroon or blue cardigan, fleece jacket, or maroon
       sweatshirt with embroidered logo

Options August - October 31st, May, and June
* Navy blue shorts with black, navy blue, or brown leather belt

Girls: Dress Uniform - Grades 6-8
 This may be worn in all months (September through June) except on PE days.
* Blue plaid skirt (knee length)
* Navy blue dress slacks (no cargo pants or cuffs) with black, navy blue, or
       brown leather belt
* Long or short-sleeved white polo shirt with embroidered logo All
       undergarments worn under the white uniform shirt need to be white or
       flesh colored
* Navy blue knee socks or tights (no logo)
* *Optional buttoned maroon or blue cardigan or fleece jacket or maroon
         sweatshirt with embroidered logo

 Options September - October 31st, May, and June
* Navy blue walking shorts with black, navy blue, or brown leather belt

Boys: Dress Uniform - Grades K-8
This may be worn in all months (September through June) except on PE days.
* Navy blue dress slacks (no cargo pants or cuffs) with black, navy blue, or
       brown leather belt
* Long or short-sleeved white polo shirt with embroidered logo
* All undergarments worn under the white uniform shirt need to be white or
        flesh colored
* Navy crew socks (no logo) above the ankle
* *Optional buttoned maroon or blue cardigan or fleece jacket or maroon
        sweatshirt with embroidered logo

 Options August - October 31st , May, and June
* Navy blue walking shorts with black, navy blue, or brown leather belt

Girls and Boys: Shoes - Grades K-8
* All students are required to wear either all black or all white, low cut,
        athletic shoes with matching laces and no contrasting branding.
        (Shoe polish or permanent marker may be used to make the
        necessary revisions.) Girls also have the option of wearing black flats
        or Mary Janes with their dress uniform.
* Shoe laces-black or white only (no mix match laces)
* No flashing lights, character shoes or roller attachments

Girls and Boys:
Physical Education Uniform - Grades K - 8
August - October 31st, May, and June

* Maroon wicking shorts
* St. Joseph's Regional Catholic School burgundy wicking t-shirt w/ logo
* Tennis shoes (black or white)
* White socks (no logo) above the ankle
* *Optional maroon logo sweatshirt

November 1st - April 30th
* Maroon sweatpants with logo
* St. Joseph's Regional Catholic School burgundy wicking t-shirt w/ logo
* Tennis shoes (black or white)
*  White socks (no logo) above the ankle
* *Optional maroon logo sweatshirt

All uniform items must be purchased through Risse Brothers at 9700 Martin Luther King Jr. Highway, Suite B, Lanham, MD 20706,  www.rissebrothers.com, 301-220-1985, School Code: SJ1517.

Shirts must be tucked in at all times. Students in grades K-8 are in dress uniform four days a week and physical education uniform one day a week.

Acceptable personal jewelry includes a watch, one pair of post earrings (one earring in each ear lobe), a significant religious medal, and/or one ring. Bracelets may not be worn. Hoop or dangling earrings may not be worn. Boys may not wear earrings. All hair accessories must be white, maroon, or school plaid.

Make-up, artificial fingernails, and fingernail polish may not be worn.  Trendy styles or fads are a violation of the uniform policy. (i.e. - mohawks, tails) Hairstyles should be neat and conservative. Boys' hair may not go past their eyebrows, ears or over their collar. Fad hairstyles are not to be worn. Hair color is not to be altered in any way: dyeing, bleaching,  streaking, etc. Hair styles should not cover the eyes. Boys are to be clean-shaven at all times.
Elizabeth House Thanks 1st,  4th, & Mrs. Rella
Elizabeth House would like to thank first grade, fourth grade, and Mrs. Rella for all the wonderful lunches they donated.  Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Volunteer Opportunities
  • Monday morning envelope stuffers
  • Chairperson for Juice Pouches
  • Health Room--RN or higher
 
All Require ADW Child Protection Program completion.
Room Parents 2015-2016
A "Call for Room Parents" was in your family's clear communication envelope last week. If you are interested in being room parent for your child's class, please call the school office (301-937-7154) and leave your name, email address and which grade you are interested in helping with.  
 
You will be contacted by the Room Parent Coordinator, Marianne Schwenz, once all classrooms have at least one volunteer. There will be a room parent meeting at the end of September, date TBA.
Time to Raise Funds W/O Fundraising!
St Joseph's Regional Catholic School, Beltsville  
Invites you to Join:
 
It's Time to Raise Funds Without Fundraising!
With the Benefit mobile app you buy and redeem retailer gift cards instantly. Every purchase results in a percentage of the transaction going to support St. Joseph's Regional Catholic School, Beltsville. Track all of your balances, and see your contributions at the tap of a finger. Not a dime is asked beyond your typical shopping spend, and it's as easy as paying with a credit card. It's totally frictionless fundraising/See it in action!

How to participate:
  1. Download the Benefit app for iPhone or Android
  2. Sign up and follow the prompts
  3. Find St. Joseph's Regional Catholic School, Beltsville by typing in St. Joseph's Regional Catholic School, Beltsville into the search field. 
For more information, please see https://www.benefit-mobile.com/
Reception of Eucharist
At the start of each school year, teachers talk to our students about Mass. Students who are not Catholic are invited to receive a blessing rather than communion. I am surprised to see how many of our practicing Catholic families' children are not receiving communion. I worry that children who go to different Catholic Parishes feel they cannot receive at St. Joseph's. Please talk to your children about reception of the Eucharist. If you are a practicing Catholic and your child is behind in the reception of Sacraments, please see Mrs. Miller or Mr. Hooker so that we can help your child get caught up. Also please understand that if you are receiving the "Practicing Catholic" tuition rate, we expect your children to be fully participating in the Catholic faith. 
Elizabeth House Times and Grades
November 6th           Grade 8
December 4th           Grade 6
January 8th                Grade 7
February 5th              Grade 5
March 4th                   Grade 2
April 8th                      Kindergarten
May 6th                       Pre-K
June 3rd                     Grade 3
Calendar Events
Oct 5   SJRCS Inaugural Golf Tournament at Cross Creek
           Holy Cross/Gonzaga, Archbishop Carroll HSs Visit
Oct 6   Guard-a-Kid Pictures
           DeMatha/Elizabeth Seton HSs Visit
Oct 7   Faculty Meeting
           School Mass   8:15 AM
           McNamara, St. John's HSs Visit
           Hot Lunch--Papa John's Pizza
Oct 9   Lee Denim Day
              Tag Day--for those who donate
Oct 12 Columbus Day (Observed)
           School Closed
Oct 13-16  Spirit Week
Oct 13 Claire's Gourmet Kick Assembly    2:15 PM
           Home & School Board Meeting
Oct 14 Hot Lunch--3 Bros. Subs
           Donuts with Dad
Oct 16 Noon Dismissal
           Presidential Fitness Day
           Teacher In-service
Oct 18 Feast of St. Luke, Evangelist
Oct 19-23 Book Fair
Oct 20 Family Night Out--Swahili Village  5-9 PM
Oct 21 Grade Level Team Meeting
           Hot Lunch--Hot Dogs
Oct 28 Faculty Meeting
           Feasts of Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles
           Hot Lunch--3 Bros Ravioli
Oct 29 Costume Parade   10:30 AM
           Class Parties        11:00 AM
           End of First Quarter
           Noon Dismissal 
           Teacher In-service
Oct 30 School Closed 
           ADW Professional Development Day
Oct 31 Halloween
______________________________________________________
Nov 2    Inaugural Golf Tournament
Nov 6    8th Grade makes lunches for Elizabeth House
____________________________________________________
Dec 4    2016-2017 Archdiocesan Tuition Assistance Program Closes 
Contact Us!
email
Phone: 301-937-7154
Fax: 301-937-1467
Email: principal@stjosrcs.org
Website:  stjosrcs.org 
 
Archdiocese Band Website:
Sincerely,
St. Joseph's Regional Catholic School
11011 Montgomery Road
Beltsville, MD 20705